SterilizationQuestion 35 of 100
Why is saturated steam, rather than superheated or wet steam, required for steam sterilization?
a.Superheated steam is too cold to kill spores
b.Wet steam carries more heat energy and therefore sterilizes faster
c.Saturated steam gives up its latent heat on contact with cooler surfaces, and both superheat and excess moisture disrupt that heat transfer
d.Only saturated steam can pass through a sterilization wrapper
Explanation
Sterilization depends on condensation, which releases latent heat directly onto the item surface, and saturated steam near 97 percent dryness delivers that transfer efficiently. Superheated steam behaves like hot dry air and requires far longer exposure times, while wet steam carries excess water that causes wet packs and reduced penetration. Steam of any quality can physically pass through a wrapper, so that is not the distinguishing factor.
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